Hampshire motorbike safety campaign launched

MOTORISTS and bikers are urged to look out for each other this month after seven motorcyclists died on Hampshire roads in the same period last year.

Between July 2 and 21 last year there were seven motorcycle fatalities out of the 11 related deaths in the county for the whole of 2013.

Now Hampshire County Council is stepping up its biker awareness campaign by placing “Think Bike” and “Bikers Think!” posters up on key routes.

Motorcyclists are also being reminded to be aware of other drivers' motoring behaviour while out on the road and to give themselves time to react.

Cllr Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, environment and transport at the council, said: “Sadly last year there were 11 motorcycle deaths on the county's roads.

“We want to help prevent further accidents by increasing safety awareness amongst riders and car drivers.

“Many riders are injured at junctions when vehicles pull out, others crash as a result of entering a bend too fast.

“Our message to drivers is 'think bike' and always take longer to look for motorcyclists especially at junctions and when overtaking, give a second glance to really check it's safe to manoeuvre as they could be hidden in your blind spot.”

Sgt Rob Heard the Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary added: “We are still having too many motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on our roads, some of these are due to motorists not seeing approaching motorcycles and others are to do with the actions of the motorcyclist themselves.

“We are really keen to remind motorists to make sure they look carefully when pulling out from junctions or when they are approaching a junction to look out for a motorcyclist pulling out as well.

“Motorcyclists need to make sure they are as visible as possible, by wearing suitable clothing, riding with your headlight on or just riding in the best position to be seen.”

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